Brock University is collaborating with the Niagara Region and other partners on a major project to build an ultra high-speed fibre optic Internet network for everyone in Niagara and Western Ontario.

The initiative called SWIFT — for South Western Integrated Fibre Technology — is being led by 16 regional and local municipalities in Ontario, with the aim of providing high-speed Internet access for 3.5 million Ontarians, mostly in rural areas.

Besides providing improved Internet service for residents, SWIFT would be crucial in supporting small business growth in rural areas and bringing investment to Niagara’s information infrastructure.

All residents are invited to take part in the feasibility study by completing a survey. The public is also invited to attend a community engagement workshop on Friday Feb 5 from 9 am to noon in Room 108 of the Welland Civic Square, 60 Main St. E. in Welland.

For more information on the survey and the workshop, go to http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/initiatives/swift/default.aspx